By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Sept 13: All primary and secondary schools under the supervision of 12 District Education Offices (PPDs) in Sarawak will resume normal operations tomorrow (Sept 14).
In a statement, the Sarawak Education Department (JPN) said that schools under the PPDs of Kuching, Padawan, Bau, Lundu, Samarahan, Simunjan, Sri Aman, Kanowit, Julau, Meradong, Bintulu, and Tatau-Sebauh will reopen on Sept 14.
However, the temporary closure of schools under the supervision of the Serian and Lubok Antu PPDs has been extended until both districts record Air Pollutant Index (API) readings below 200.
The decision was made based on continuous monitoring of API readings through the Department of Environment’s official portal, as well as reports from the Malaysian Meteorological Department (METMalaysia).
The affected schools had previously conducted Teaching and Learning at Home (PdPR) for one week.
Meanwhile, the Education Ministry (MOE), in collaboration with the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA), will distribute face masks to students, teachers, and school staff at schools identified as being severely affected by the haze.
The department also reminded schools to suspend all outdoor activities involving students if the API reading exceeds 100, while schools in areas or districts where the reading exceeds 200 must be closed immediately.
“The reopening of schools is subject to API readings remaining below 200,” the statement said.
It also said parents and guardians may choose not to send children to school if they are concerned about their health due to the haze still affecting several areas in Sarawak. However, the school must be informed accordingly.
The department added that temporary school closures may also be implemented based on recommendations from the Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) from time to time.
All PPDs and educational institutions under their supervision were also reminded to implement preventive measures to protect students’ health during hot or hazy weather.
It also reminded schools to monitor activities that may expose students to hot or hazy weather conditions to ensure their health is not affected, ensure an adequate supply of clean drinking water, and encourage students to bring their own drinking water.
In addition, students are advised to wear face masks and drink water frequently in appropriate amounts to help regulate body temperature. — DayakDaily
